§ Mr. Leeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the acreage of forest which has been affected by fire during the current drought; and what steps are being taken to ensure replacement of the trees thus destroyed.
§ Mr. StrangSince 1st April 1976, 2,000 acres of forest managed by the Forestry Commission have been destroyed by fire; replacement will follow as part of normal replanting operations. It is estimated that about 1,100 acres have been destroyed during the same period in the private sector; replacement is a matter for decision by individual owners, who can apply for grant aid from the Forestry Commission under the normal rules.